]]>As drought conditions continue to plague the Southeast, wildfires are an increasing threat to many of the forested acres, much of which is privately owned, and the wildlife that live there. Landowners can take immediate, defensive actions in an effort to mitigate damage and salvage their land.

Manual Fire Breaks

A firebreak (the exposed bare soil pictured on the right) prevents the spread of ground fire by acting as a barrier to the flames. Photo by Tiffany Woods/ NWF

Manual firebreaks can be created by exposing strips of bare soil or fire impeding vegetation meant to stop or control fire. Creating firebreaks around the perimeter of your land and forested acres can minimize the threat of ground fires entering your property. You can also create interior firebreaks around certain areas, such as a hardwood stand or around a building structure, to minimize risks to this area.

Breaks should be greater than 10 feet wide or twice the estimated flame length. You will first want to clear the planned firebreak strip by using equipment and blading, disking or plowing the break. If these tools are unavailable, you can manually mow and rake the area down to bare soil as an alternative.

Firebreaks are especially important for land with topographic changes, since wildfires burn up a slope faster and more intensely than on flat ground. A steeper slope will result in a faster moving fire with longer flame lengths – firebreaks should be installed accordingly. Due to the steady falling of leaves, fire breaks should be inspected and raked regularly to prevent leaf accumulation.

Reduce Sources of Fuel

Remove as much dead brush and fuel sources from your forests and thin trees if possible. This can be done in the near term and regularly included in future land management. Remove tree branches that are closer to the ground to prevent ground fires from climbing into the canopy, resulting in crown fires. Reduce excess fuel near fire breaks to reduce flame length and potential of fire crossing the break.

Protect Structures and Equipment

Using a drip torch to ignite a low intensity, control burn on family land in Georgia. Photo by Tiffany Woods/ NWF

Fire officials recommend reducing and managing the area around your house or other building structures for at least 100 feet. Move and isolate any farm equipment and vehicles to safe locations, especially equipment with fuel tanks and highly flammable materials and accelerants.

Additionally, have the equipment (hand tools and/or machinery) used to create and maintain your fire breaks serviced, ready for use, and easily accessible.

Implement Control Burns in the Future

Until burn bans are lifted and rain returns to the region, controlled burning (also called prescribed fire) is NOT an option. However, during the burning season and with wetter conditions, control burns are an economically, effective management tool to reduce fuel loads on the forest floor.

If Faced with a Wildfire

Do NOT attempt to fight the wildfire on your own unless you are a trained wildland firefighter with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Please contact your local forestry commission.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2016/11/defensive-steps-for-landowners-facing-wildfire-threats/feed/0124359Setting the Woods on Firehttp://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/setting-the-woods-on-fire/
http://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/setting-the-woods-on-fire/#respondMon, 29 Feb 2016 20:00:11 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=117606Two weekends ago I received the call I had been waiting for. The necessary weather elements—temperature and relative humidity, among other variables—had combined to create great conditions for a prescribed forest …

]]>Two weekends ago I received the call I had been waiting for. The necessary weather elements—temperature and relative humidity, among other variables—had combined to create great conditions for a prescribed forest fire. And better yet, I was invited to help!

Hands down, my favorite forest management activity is working alongside landowners to assist with controlled burns in Southeastern pine forests that are adapted to fire. This time, I’d be helping my uncle and aunt, who own forestland in northeast Georgia.

With so many catastrophic forest fires in the news, I often get asked, “Why would you want to burn a forest on purpose?” The answer is simple—and also complex.

In certain forest and other so-called “fire adapted” or even “fire dependent” ecosystems, prescribed fire is one of the most economical and ecologically-friendly tools landowners have to manage their land. Many Southeastern pine forests, such as longleaf pine, are well-adapted to survive and even regenerate after fire. Loblolly forests, such as the one we were going to be burning, can also benefit from prescribed fire.

My uncle, Chuck Williams (R) and me (L) standing next to his American Tree Farm sign. Photo by Beth Williams

Rather than applying expensive chemical treatments or mechanical procedures to control shrubs and trees, over the past few decades land managers have learned how to apply a low-heat prescribed fire in a controlled setting that results in a vast array of benefits. Just one control burn can reduce wildfire hazard by decreasing the amount of “fuel” in a forest, improve habitat for wildlife species, reduce competition from undesired plants and shrubs, enhance appearance, and improve access—all at the same time.

Periodic prescribed fire in southern pine forests helps maintain a park-like appearance where the open canopy of the trees allows for sunlight to stream to the forest floor for plants to sprout and grow. These low-intensity fires also improve the quantity and quality of forbs, legumes and other vegetation that are important habitat for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, mourning doves, and wild turkey, allowing them to travel, forage and find shelter in these forests.

One of the first steps of planning for a safe and controlled prescribed fire is to establish fire breaks, or obstacles that are used to contain the fire within the burn area. My uncle and aunt had set the breaks and prepared the equipment (tractor, rakes, and water) before my arrival.

Walking along a firebreak with a drip torch setting a low-intensity prescribed fire. Photo by Tiffany Woods

All that was left to do was ignite a spark and carry it along the fire line. Donning my fire-resistant gear and holding a drip-torch in hand, I set off for another adventure in the woods. My job was to walk alongside the edge of a parcel, letting the drip torch do its job of “dripping” fire onto the pine needles so that the natural, low-burning flames would carry with the wind across the land to the next firebreak. It was a fantastic, tiring, and enlightening time (pun intended), and as is always the case with control burns, it also brought with it a learning opportunity.

On this brisk February afternoon, I learned how to put out a fire that I had mistakenly set in a specific wooded area. After a bit of miscommunication on my behalf, I accidentally lit a pine and hardwood section, which wasn’t supposed to be burned because it had a heavy fuel-load from the thick brush. Quickly the fire started growing and moving. Thankfully, right away my uncle drove over with the tractor and water tank to extinguish the larger flames as we raked and flapped out the smaller flames. Tensions and stakes were both high during this 30 minute time-span, but from my uncle and aunt’s proper preparations, the fire was effectively maintained and extinguished.

Later in the afternoon we spotted a young Timber Rattlesnake making its way across a firebreak to escape to a previously burned section of the woods. Keeping a safe distance, we were able to divert the snake into a nearby hole that it could burrow for shelter.

The benefits created from a control burn for wildlife habitat and shelter far outweigh the individual loss that potentially occurs from a fire. Most wildlife species are adapted to survive low-intensity burns and will burrow down in holes, climb to a safe height, or outrun the flames. For instance, my aunt and uncle’s controlled burn was specifically done to improve the habitat for the wild turkeys that populate the area, as this burn will open up the woody understory and help with the growth of native grasses, forbs and legumes.

An American green tree frog climbs to a safe height during the fire. Photo by Beth Williams

As the day came to end and the last flames slowly died down, I walked out of the woods knowing that the next time I returned, a myriad of understory plant species would be growing from where my drip torch had last been. But most importantly, I would hear and see the tell-tale signs of wildlife that will most certainly benefit from my time in the woods with a driptorch.

The National Wildlife Federation’s Southeast forestry program supports a wide array of sustainable forestry practices, including prescribed fire in the longleaf and other fire-adapted pine ecosystems.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/setting-the-woods-on-fire/feed/0117606Restoring Longleaf Pine on Agricultural Land Benefits Wildlifehttp://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/restoring-longleaf-pine-on-agricultural-land-benefits-wildlife/
http://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/restoring-longleaf-pine-on-agricultural-land-benefits-wildlife/#respondTue, 16 Feb 2016 19:47:57 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=117328Restoring longleaf pine savannas of the southeastern United States benefits some of the world’s most diverse plant communities and wildlife species. When forests are managed with the traditionally open canopy …

]]>Restoring longleaf pine savannas of the southeastern United States benefits some of the world’s most diverse plant communities and wildlife species. When forests are managed with the traditionally open canopy structure, a savanna-like environment is created allowing sunlight to stream to the forest floor where grasses and herbs grow for wildlife to live and graze. Unfortunately, a long history of over-exploitation including farming, logging, and fire exclusion over the past century have reduced this once-widespread utopia to only 3-4 percent of its natural range.

A mature longleaf pine forest with diverse understory of grasses, legumes, and forages that are ideal for wildlife habitat. Photo by Gary Burger

Prior to development and the conversion of forested land to other land uses, the southeast was home to approximately 90 million acres of longleaf pine habitat spanning from east Texas to north Florida all the way to Virginia. These forests provide habitat for a suite of rare, at-risk, and endangered species such as northern bobwhite quail, red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, pinewoods tree frogs, pine and prairie warblers, as well as game species. Longleaf forests also contribute to a healthy environment by providing clean air and water sources, creating buffers from wildfire, and mitigating damage from hurricanes.

Bobwhite quail. Photo by leshoward via Flickr Creative Commons

The dramatic loss of longleaf pine to approximately 3 million acres has led to an abrupt call to action to save this important ecosystem. These forests contain some of the most important, biodiverse, and natural areas for plants and wildlife in the United States.

The National Wildlife Federation has been fortunate to work alongside many other organizations and our affiliates to develop and implement strategies to bring back this iconic forest to the south. The National Wildlife Federation and Alabama Wildlife Federation work together with private landowners each year to plant and restore longleaf pine across its historic range in Alabama, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Longleaf Stewardship Fund. Since 2007, over 13,000 acres of longleaf have been restored on private lands from this collaboration.

In addition to restoring habitat, the National Wildlife Federation is focused on addressing the dangers of a changing climate. Each year, greenhouse gas emissions continue to pollute and create long lasting changes to our climate while also threatening the environment, wildlife, and Americans’ health.

A longleaf pine tree amidst the forest. Photo by Ross Anderson

However, there is good news: planting trees can help mitigate the negative effects of carbon emissions. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere, and then store the carbon and release oxygen back into the environment.

U.S. forests serve as a carbon “sink”, currently offsetting 10 to 20% of the country’s emissions from burning fossil fuels each year, according the U.S. Forest Service. Studies also indicate that the highest potential for carbon sequestration on agricultural land is afforestation (the establishment of forest on land that has been without forest for a long period of time).

In addition to restoring forested land back to longleaf pine, the National Wildlife Federation remains supportive of efforts to convert agricultural land that is no longer productive or prone to erosion back to longleaf pine forests. Restoring longleaf on past agricultural fields can lead to clear and sizable gains for increased carbon sequestration rates below and above-ground. Furthermore, many reforestation practices that enhance carbon sequestration can achieve other environmental benefits such as increasing soil health and reducing erosion, improving water quality and quantity, and providing wildlife habitat.

Longleaf pine plantings on a landowner’s south Georgia property. Photo by Robert Abernathy

From the commitment and help of many partners and organizations, longleaf pine is making a first-time comeback as acreage has extended to approximately 4.7 million acres, which is a first known increase since the 1990s. Partners, including the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates, have played a significant role in halting the decline of longleaf pine. Healthy forests, and especially forests planted on agricultural fields, can sequester carbon while also providing ideal wildlife habitat, help with clean air and water sources, provide renewable and sustainable source of timber, and create recreational activities for generations to come.

The National Wildlife Federation appreciates the support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, OhmConnect, and other organizations for their support of our longleaf restoration program.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/restoring-longleaf-pine-on-agricultural-land-benefits-wildlife/feed/0117328Camp Beneath the Southern Pineshttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/07/camp-beneath-the-southern-pines/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/07/camp-beneath-the-southern-pines/#respondMon, 27 Jul 2015 14:35:15 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=107962There are things in this life of which I’m certain: I love summer, I love to camp, and I love living in and exploring the southeast. However, the combination of …

]]>There are things in this life of which I’m certain: I love summer, I love to camp, and I love living in and exploring the southeast. However, the combination of these matters leaves much to be desired when the humidity, heat and mosquitoes present themselves during a summer camping trip!

With the warm summer months upon us, National Wildlife Federation is celebrating our annual camping event, the Great American Campout, to connect people to the great outdoors and wildlife. It is the perfect opportunity to gather your family or friends, gear and trail shoes and find a great camping spot. For those of us (like myself) in the Southeast, if the summer elements prove too much, now is a great time to begin planning your fall getaways.

The Southeastern U.S. is full of spectacular places to camp; if you are curious about where to go camping, consider pitching your tent in the richest forest that the United States has to offer—the Longleaf Pine. These forests are home to an abundance of plants and many species of wildlife such as the endangered gopher tortoise, Bachmans sparrow, fox squirrels, and many more.

Starry sky over a longleaf pine stand. Photo by Ryan Askren

Due to development and conversion to dense trees plantations, only approximately 5% of longleaf forests remain. We have compiled a list of public lands where you can find longleaf pine in its historic and natural range—from the eastern plains of Texas to Florida and all the way up to the Carolinas.

Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

During your visit, be sure to enjoy the panoramic views from the sandstone bluffs of the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, which lies on a ridge that provides excellent views of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, surrounding the Vista on three sides. Also take advantage of the leisurely drive along the 17-mile Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. And abundance of camping options—campground, group and RV camping—are available throughout the 604,000 acre forest.

“When you look at the forests explorers like de Soto and Lewis and Clark described, they talk about very open areas that were easy to walk through. What they saw were longleaf pines and blue stemmed grass that was very open and very beautiful. And that’s what foresters have recreated in Kisatchie.” -Jim Caldwell, Kisatchie National Forest Public Affairs Officer

De Soto National Forest, Mississippi

You can find longleaf in Mississippi’s “pineywoods” alongside native hardwoods throughout the gently rolling terrain. De Soto National Forest is located two hours northeast of New Orleans, and is home to over 518,000 acres of longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods and longleaf pine forests.

Black Creek, Mississippi’s only National Scenic River, runs through the De Soto and is the perfect location to canoe or kayak down the river bordered by the pines. Beneath the pines and plentiful hardwoods lies the perfect habitat for deer, turkey and quail, among others. Campgrounds that are sure to be scattered with the fallen needles from longleaf include Big Biloxi and the Long Leaf Horse Trail (daily rates required).

Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

In the heart of Texas, one can travel to Big Thicket National Preserve to witness first-hand the national efforts to conserve longleaf pine. Managers of Big Thicket use prescribed fire and the planting of longleaf pine seedlings on thousands of acres to keep the natural area thriving. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems including the longleaf pine.

“Big Thicket is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature.” – National Park Service

Popular preserve activities include hiking, bird watching, canoeing and hunting. While camping is allowed in Big Thicket, there are no designated campsites, so be prepared for the true primitive experience of making your own!

Ocala National Forest, Florida

National Forests in Florida, Alexander Springs, Ocala National Forests. US Forest Service Photo by Susan Blake

Just north of Orlando, The Ocala National Forest is the southernmost forest in the continental United States. Ocala protects the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest (scrub contains a biological treasure chest of plants and animals adapted to life on scattered ridges of sand). This forest has more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs—these magnificent springs provide visitors with the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in their crystalline waters. Explore the longleaf pine islands and scrub ridges for unusual plants.

“Immerse yourself in nature inside the Ocala National Forest. Visit in the early morning, as mists rise off the ponds and lakes, to hear a symphony of birds stirring to sunrise. Explore the longleaf pine islands and scrub ridges for unusual plants. Sit silently in your car along a back road to watch mama bear and cubs lumber across the sand. The Ocala is a landscape of living wonders.” –US Forest Service

Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina

I’on Interpretive Trail. Photo by US Forest Service

One can discover a luscious landscape of longleaf pine forests, wildlife-filled swamps, and marshes shaded by bald cypress trees in the Francis Marion National Forest. This forest spans nearly 259,000 acres in the Carolina coastal plains, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

A multitude of recreational opportunities exist in this natural area, including: hiking, biking, canoe trails, boat launches, and even a rifle range for the avid sportsman. This national forest is a convenient destination stop as it is situated between two popular cities, Myrtle Beach and historic Charleston. Camping is allowed in developed campgrounds and in designated primitive sites.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Camping in Everglades National Park. Photo by Constance Mier

Everglades National Park is well-known as one America’s greatest treasures: it is the 3rd largest park in the U.S, covering 2,400 square miles, and is designated as a World Heritage Site. A wide array of recreational options await you throughout the park. Trails and heads are located near all the park entrances and campgrounds for hiking, biking, bird-watching and walking. You will also find ample canoe and kayak trails to carry you further into the park’s mangrove forests, saw-grass marshes and the open Florida Bay. You should definitely explore the Pineland Trails of the Long Pine Key Area during your visit; perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida Panther among the pines along the way!

The park offers fantastic camping opportunities in both the front country and backcountry. While camping is available year-round, individuals visiting during the wet season (June through November) should be aware of potentially strenuous and uncomfortable conditions, while the dry season (November to March) is the “busy season” due to the warm winters.

Conecuh National Forest, Alabama

Conecuh National Forest offers visitors scenic stretches of forests scattered with lakes full of bass, bream, catfish, and striped bass for the keen fisherman. This 450-acre site offers camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating. The 20-mile Conecuh Trail provides hikers with views of Longleaf Pine alongside Holly, Dogwood, Magnolia, and Cypress trees (wintertime hiking is advised as the most enjoyable hiking time). Many native wildlife species can be found here, such as white-tailed deer, endangered gopher tortoises, carnivorous pitcher plants, and numerous species of frogs.

The forest has several designated recreation areas that offer any number of activities, from fishing to target shooting to camping. The newly renovated Open Pond Recreation Area is the largest recreation area in the Conecuh. Be sure to stop for a picnic overlooking the scenic Cypress ponds while you are here!

I personally enjoy pledging to camp each year and finding new areas to explore. If you find yourself under the stars and starburst of pine needles of the longleaf pine, be sure to take a photo and share on social media with the hashtag #campie or email to woodst@nwf.org. NWF would love to see and hear about your stories and experiences!

Consider campsite/visitation fees, reservations and seasonal restrictions vary from site to site–check for detailed information on each particular location before visiting.
Happy planning and camping!

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/07/camp-beneath-the-southern-pines/feed/0107962Not All Forest Fires Are Created Equalhttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/not-all-forest-fires-are-created-equal/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/not-all-forest-fires-are-created-equal/#commentsMon, 18 May 2015 14:45:28 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=106568The public nowadays has a negative perception and misunderstanding of forest fires, believing that fires should be kept out of every type of forest. Many of us can recall Smoky the Bear’s …

]]>The public nowadays has a negative perception and misunderstanding of forest fires, believing that fires should be kept out of every type of forest. Many of us can recall Smoky the Bear’s famous warning: “Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires”.

However, not all fires are created equal–some forest fires are actually good (yes, good!) for natural areas. Under the right conditions, and when conducted safely, fire can create many environmental benefits as well as help prevent larger, uncontrollable wildfires. Some ecosystems even require forest fire to thrive, such as longleaf pine found in the south and the ponderosa pine of the west.

Chris Wright (Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge) burns a portion of the north fireline on a prescribed fire of Mt. Longleaf NWR in Alabama. Photo by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region’s Photostream

Many plant and animal species are dependent upon or assisted by fire, as fire burns away much of the leaf litter on the forest floor and exposes insects and seeds.

A gopher tortoise emerges from its burrow; turtles survive fires by burrowing underground or using their shells as protection. Photo by: Holmes Palacios

After a forest fire, many wildlife species will move into recently burned areas to feed on these newly available foods. Some reptiles and amphibians such as the pine snake, pine barrens tree frog, and the endangered gopher tortoise prefer forests frequently burned by fire.

“One of the most harmful things modern man has done to birds has been his attempt to exclude fire from fire-type pine forests. Within a few years most forests choke up with brush, lose their prairie-like vegetation and can no longer support birds dependent on periodic burning for their food supply and proper cover.” Herbert Stoddard

If I asked you to picture the forest floor, what do you see? Pine needles, cones, leaves, limbs might come to mind–all sources of fuel. If these and other fuel sources build up without any type of removal, the ‘fuel load’ can become too great and when ignited by various ignition sources, lead to fires that are catastrophic to forests and people alike. In contrast, prescribed fire can be used by forest professionals and forest owners to burn the woods every couple of years to keep these forest fuels at an appropriate and manageable level. These good fires can also:

minimize the spread of pest insects and disease

remove unwanted tree and plant species that crowd out and threaten native species

create and maintain important wildlife habitats rich in grasses and forbs

promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other various plants

Many organizations and agencies work to promote fire on the landscape when and where appropriate. Smokey Bear even has an updated warning: “Only You can Prevent Wildfires“, as the Forest Service has over the last few decades developed policies and procedures to include prescribed fire as a management tool, as well as continuing their work to prevent and fight wildfires.

NWF’s Southeast Forestry Program works with fire experts, forest owners, and others to promote prescribed fire to help maintain and improve the habitat value of longleaf pine forests.

Our ongoing work with our affiliate, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, has resulted in over 9,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat being restored by working with landowners to plant new trees and manage their forests.

We work to educate landowners and promote the use of prescribed fire in the longleaf habitat by providing individual landowner assistance and holding workshops and field days, funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s and Southern Company’s Longleaf Stewardship Fund.

In 2014, a total of 1.22 million acres of prescribed burning was reported in longleaf pine across the entire range. Of these acres, 85% of controlled burns took place on public lands, with only 15% occurring on private lands. America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative and others have identified the need to increase the amount of prescribed fire on private land as a priority moving forward for longleaf restoration.

AWF and NWF plan to continue our work to increase and improve conditions for longleaf pine, with prescribed fire being a priority of the management tools for landowners and professionals in current and future projects. We will continue to advocate and promote the necessary and safe management tool of fire in the forest.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/not-all-forest-fires-are-created-equal/feed/1106568Alabama Wildlife and National Wildlife Federation Hold First Fire Workshophttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/alabama-wildlife-and-national-wildlife-federation-hold-first-fire-workshop/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/alabama-wildlife-and-national-wildlife-federation-hold-first-fire-workshop/#respondWed, 06 May 2015 12:41:54 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=106340On May 1st, over twenty landowners and professionals attended Alabama Wildlife Federation’s workshop and field day in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, Prescribed Fire as a Wildlife Management Tool …

]]>On May 1st, over twenty landowners and professionals attended Alabama Wildlife Federation’s workshop and field day in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, Prescribed Fire as a Wildlife Management Tool in Longleaf Pine, in Andalusia, Alabama.

Many landowners and forestry professionals are interested in learning more about using fire to improve habitat for wildlife in forests, as controlled burns create ideal habitats for rich wildlife communities including species such as gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and quail. Prescribed fires are beneficial in certain landscapes because these fires provide forage and habitat for wildlife, as well as promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other various plants.

The first workshop was a great event met with interest and enthusiasm by many! Throughout the classroom and field components of the workshop, participants explored:

The workshop was hosted by the Longleaf Alliance at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center and included speakers from AWF, the Longleaf Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Auburn University and Natural Resource Conservation Service.

This workshop was made possible by the Longleaf Stewardship Fund by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partnership with Southern Company. This project provides AWF staff, Kyle Marable and Claude Jenkins, with the opportunity to work individually with landowners on longleaf pine management as well as to provide educational opportunities such as workshops and field days. The second workshop in the series will occur on May 15, 2015 in Autaugaville, Alabama.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/05/alabama-wildlife-and-national-wildlife-federation-hold-first-fire-workshop/feed/0106340High Stakes in Declining Monarch Butterfly Populationshttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/02/high-stakes-in-declining-monarch-butterfly-populations/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/02/high-stakes-in-declining-monarch-butterfly-populations/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 20:08:38 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=104096As a child, I loved to spend my time chasing the majestic monarch butterflies as they danced around the woods and garden on my parents’ small farm in rural Georgia. Now …

]]>As a child, I loved to spend my time chasing the majestic monarch butterfliesas they danced around the woods and garden on my parents’ small farm in rural Georgia. Now when I spot the distinctive wings that flutter so swiftly and graciously, I pause to take in the moment, as I know the perils that face these exquisite creatures.

On Monday the National Wildlife Federation signed an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a new funding initiative was announced with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, as well as pledging $2 million in immediate funding for on-the-ground projects to conserve monarch populations around the country. Read more on NWF’s initiative.

If we can provide monarchs with healthy and sustainable habitats such as gardens, grasslands and forests, then perhaps we can provide generations to come the chance to know and appreciate this iconic species. According to biologist, Bill Finch, milkweed is able to bloom in Gulf Coastal longleaf ecosystems at the most opportune time during the spring, as monarchs are migrating from Mexico to North America and stop in the piney woods of the Gulf Coast to lay eggs on the milkweed during the spring. In late spring, the caterpillars morph into butterflies, and then fly north to repopulate in the eastern part of the country.

As a staff member at NWF, it is an exciting time to be a part of an organization that is taking such timely and aggressive steps to protect this beautiful species that means so much to me. NWF understands what needs to be done by addressing habitat restoration first and foremost to conserve and protect these and other important pollinator species. When the warmth of spring arrives in the coming months, I will bring milkweed seeds to add to our family’s garden. This is my token of hope and affirmation for the species that we humans so depend on, because now it appears, their survival will depend on us.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/02/high-stakes-in-declining-monarch-butterfly-populations/feed/3104096Longleaf Pine Restoration Included in New Era of Conservationhttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/longleaf-pine-restoration-included-in-new-era-of-conservation/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/longleaf-pine-restoration-included-in-new-era-of-conservation/#respondThu, 22 Jan 2015 14:51:42 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=103299USDA made an announcement last week that will help NWF’s work on longleaf pine restoration in the southeast. Farm Bill funds will provide support to partners exploring the economics and …

]]>USDA made an announcement last week that will help NWF’s work on longleaf pine restoration in the southeast. Farm Bill funds will provide support to partners exploring the economics and incentives for increasing the acreage of sustainable, working forests on private lands in the southeast.

NWF Working to Protect Forests and Wildlife

NWF’s Southeast Forestry Program is dedicated to projects that protect and restore forests and wildlife habitats throughout the region, and longleaf pine restoration remains a keystone to our program and our affiliates. Since 2007, we have worked with the Alabama Wildlife Federation to plant, manage, and restore over 9,000 acres of longleaf pine forests on private lands. This program is important to us and the landowners we work with, as longleaf pine provides income through sustainable timber practices, recreational purposes (i.e. quality hunting habitat, bird watching), aesthetics as it is a beautiful ecosystem with a vibrant understory, and has meaningful cultural and intrinsic values to the southeast.

Longleaf Pine Forests Provide Excellent Wildlife Habitat

Longleaf pine forests provide an ideal habitat for wildlife due to the high level of biodiversity found in the ecosystem, as longleaf provides crucial components needed for wildlife survival such as food, water, cover and space. Wildlife species found in longleaf pine forests include the northern bobwhite quail, red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, striped newts, pinewoods treefrogs, pine and prairie warblers, eastern indigo snakes, Bachman’s sparrows, white-tailed deer, the Eastern wild turkey and many more. Twenty-nine species on the Federal threatened or endangered lists are found in these forests, however these pine forests are one of the most endangered landscapes in North America. Balancing economic, ecological and social values is crucial to restoration goals and is recognized by the federal government, private companies, and conservation organizations alike.

The Conservation Fund and Resource Management Service, LLC (RMS) were awarded a first-time partnership to create a 205,000 acre working, sustainable longleaf pine forest in the lower Alabama and Florida panhandle region. By keeping longleaf pine in privately-owned timber production, environmental and economic benefits will be made possible by establishing the first large landscape model for the conservation of longleaf pine. This project will enhance over 44 at-risk species’ habitat, restore approximately 150,000 acres of longleaf pine, protect water quality and quantity to the Gulf of Mexico, and at least 80 jobs will be retained. NWF’s Southeast Forestry Program provided a declaration of support for this project, as we have a vested interest the optimization of both economic and ecological benefits with longleaf restoration.

Focusing on Forests

I applaud the USDA in their inclusion of the longleaf pine range and the two projects selected as recipients of federal conservation funding, and hope to see additional programs and projects aimed at sustaining forest habitats such as longleaf pine funded in the future. Forest restoration and wildlife habitat are distinctly and highly integrated; the longleaf pine forest is an exemplary model of a species deserving of conservation efforts and initiatives underway to restore these forests and consequently, wildlife.